Gold & Tax
Are Sovereigns CGT Free?
Yes. The gold Sovereign is UK legal tender, which is why it is exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents.
Last reviewed October 2026
In short: Gold Sovereigns are sterling legal tender, so UK residents pay no Capital Gains Tax when they sell them. Gold bars do not share this exemption.
Why the Sovereign qualifies
The Sovereign has been struck since 1817 and carries a face value of one pound. Because it is legal tender, the tax rules treat it as currency and sterling currency is outside the scope of Capital Gains Tax.
Does this cover older Sovereigns?
Post-1837 Sovereigns are accepted as legal tender and share the exemption. This includes the Victorian, Edwardian and George V coins that make up much of the market, as well as modern issues. It is one reason the Sovereign remains a classic first coin for UK buyers and collectors: small, recognised around the world and exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents.
Sovereign or Britannia?
Both are exempt from Capital Gains Tax for UK residents. The Sovereign is struck in 22 carat gold and is smaller, while the Britannia is struck in 24 carat 999.9 fine gold. Many customers own both. We compare them in Britannia vs Sovereign.
Read more: Is gold CGT free?
This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances. Please speak to a qualified adviser about your own position. The value of gold can go down as well as up.
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